Tough p.m. travel for trains, cars and planes

[This post has been updated]
Problems abound this evening for people traveling around the Washington region whether it be by car, train or intending to depart on a plane. And it will all be complicated by thunderstorms rolling into the area. The Capital Weather Gang says strong thunderstorms are moving in, bringing the possibility of wind and large hail.

Loudoun officials were reporting that Route 15 was closed in both directions north of Lucketts due to a downed tree that struck a vehicle and utility lines. Officials warned the road would be closed for a long time and urged drivers to seek alternate routes.

At least three accidents were reported on Interstate 295 near Laboratory Road, including one scene that involved the collision of two dump trucks and required hazardous materials and heavy equipment teams, as well as a Medevac helicopter. Dogs were even brought in to search the wreckage. A second accident occurred south of Pennsylvania Avenue near Howard Road. Emergency officials said there were several injuries.

A school bus was involved in a three-vehicle crash at Southern Avenue SE and 51st SE. Emergency officials said five autistic child and two adults were on the bus. EMS crews were evaluating the individuals and additional EMS units were requested.

In Arlington, traffic in the 3600 block of King Street was being diverted to the service road. Commuters were advised to avoid the area. DASH buses are reportedly experiencing delays of up to one hour because of it.

The Maryland Transit Administration was reporting problems for passengers on both the Brunswick and Camden Lines. MARC Train 893, which was scheduled to depart at 5:15 p.m. from Washington to Frederick will be one car short. To ease overcrowding, MARC said that Train 877, departing from Washington at 4:55 to Brunswick and Martinsburg will only stop at Germantown. Train 853 on the Camden Line was operating 15 to 17 minutes late due to signal problems.

Some Virginia Railway Express passengers were having their own issues. Train 333 on the Manassas Line was having engine problems as it departed Union Station, and was running without lights or air conditioning.

If you are trying to get away by air, you can't escape the problems, either. According to the Federal Aviation Administration, departure delays due to thunderstorms are affecting the Boston, Newark and Washington-area airports. Airport officials advise that you check with your airline to see if you're affected.

As a clarification: the 3600 block of King Street is techinically in Alexandria, I believe. It's on the border of Alexandria and Arlington, in the Shirlington - Bradlee shopping center area, just east of I-395. (Some folks will probably recognize the trouble spot better if it's mentioned as being in Alexandria.)